Lilith beamed a dazzling smile, her refined demeanor exuding the elegance of a highborn lady. Her graceful steps carried her forward, her swaying hips drawing attention as she boldly inserted herself into the center of the group.

She cast a slight frown at Shia, her tone carrying a hint of condescension.

“There are too many people sitting here. Go sit over there.”

Her slender finger pointed towards a lone, single-seater sofa. Without waiting for a reply, she turned to Rong with a commanding air.

“Go slice some fruit platters. With so many guests here, how can we treat them so poorly?”

Then, facing the other women, her demeanor transformed into one of warm hospitality.

“What do you all feel like eating? Just say the word.”

She acted as if she were close to everyone, though her intentions were far from pure.

As Shia’s fiancée, using her position to meddle in his affairs was nothing short of shameless.

The naturally absent-minded elven princess glanced at her, then propped her chin lazily on her impressive breasts, showing no interest in engaging.

“Boring,” her expression seemed to say.

Aph, still heavy-hearted, pursed her lips in silence, saying nothing.

Lilith’s flirtatious efforts were thus met with utter indifference. She was throwing seductive glances at blind targets and getting no reactions.

A metaphorical crow flew past, leaving an awkward silence in its wake.

But who was Lilith? She wasn’t someone easily fazed. Her skin was as thick as armor forged from years of practice.

This minor setback didn’t faze her. If one approach didn’t work, she’d simply try another.

She turned her attention to Violet, about to engage her in conversation. After all, Violet was her junior and the one she considered herself closest to. Lilith even fancied their relationship to be somewhat friendly.

However, before she could speak, her gaze landed on a glass of red wine nearby. Her eyes sparkled with mock disapproval as she looked at Shia.

“Shia, with so many guests here, why is there only one glass of wine prepared?”

Finally, she’d found a chance to criticize him and elevate herself. Such opportunities to shine couldn’t be wasted.

She scolded him lightly, then showcased her own enthusiasm for hospitality, hoping to impress everyone.

But her plan backfired because she had entirely misunderstood the purpose of that glass of wine.

Shia glanced at it, his tone indifferent.

“Oh, that? Violet made it herself.”

And it was spiked.

No one was interested in drinking it. The only destination for that wine was down the drain.

Hearing this, Lilith’s interest was piqued.

“Oh, Violet made it herself?”

An opportunity to build rapport with her junior presented itself, and Lilith wasn’t about to miss it.

As if fearing someone else might take it, she immediately picked up the glass, her movements deliberate and refined. Bringing it close to her nose, she inhaled deeply, her eyes fluttering closed in enjoyment.

“As expected of Princess Violet. This aroma… Just a single whiff reveals its rich complexity and a touch of unique fragrance.”

Violet, however, panicked internally. While her lingering grudge against Shia had driven her to craft this "special" wine as a prank, she hadn’t anticipated someone else drinking it.

Her instincts as a kind-hearted, albeit prideful, soul kicked in. She couldn’t just let Lilith unknowingly drink it.

“Wait—” Violet started to speak, but before she could finish, Lilith tipped her head back and downed the entire glass.

The bright red of Lilith’s dress accentuated her snow-white skin. Her slender neck moved enticingly as she swallowed, the motion captivating to anyone watching. Her golden hair cascaded around her, giving her a fiery yet enchanting aura. Her actions exuded a bold elegance, leaving onlookers stunned.

Violet’s voice caught in her throat, her eyes wide with disbelief.

“She drank it… Just like that?”

By the time Violet regained her senses, it was far too late to warn her.

Lilith, meanwhile, wore an expression of sheer delight.

“Such a full-bodied taste! This wine has layers of flavor. It’s as if I’ve traveled through time to an ancient vineyard, experiencing the sublime essence of its grapes. Truly, it’s a drink that transcends the mundane!”

Lilith’s flowery praise poured out effortlessly. As the daughter of the prestigious Guen family, her education in fine arts and luxury was impeccable. If nothing else, her outward demeanor was flawless—a goddess among socialites.

She could embellish even the most ordinary experience with the grandeur of her words. Compliments flowed from her lips like poetry, creating an illusion of unmatched refinement.

But Violet knew better.

The reality of the wine's creation was far from the romantic imagery Lilith painted. It was born of anger and soaked in vengeance, infused with the unwashed stockings Violet had worn for an entire day.

Watching Lilith eloquently rave about the taste, Violet was torn between horror and disbelief.

"She’s calling 'that' good?"

Violet’s gaze shifted uneasily. Sitting so close to this enigma of a woman made her uncomfortable. She unconsciously shuffled her seat a bit farther away.

“She’s… terrifying.”

Who would willingly enjoy something so grotesque? Violet couldn’t fathom what kind of proclivities Lilith must have.

Compared to this heavyweight eccentric, Shia suddenly seemed normal and safe—despite all his teasing and antics.

Without realizing it, Violet had mentally handed Shia a victory.

Lilith, however, remained oblivious. She was confident her lavish praise of Violet’s creation had secured her favor. After all, who wouldn’t appreciate someone recognizing their talent?

No one can resist compliments!

Lilith had closed her eyes, ready to bask in Violet’s approving gaze, only to open them and find the spot beside her empty.

Violet was hiding behind Shia, peeking out cautiously with only her guarded eyes visible, her hands clutching Shia’s clothes like a shield.

Lilith felt a wave of frustration surge through her. She had worked so hard, only for the benefits to land squarely in someone else’s lap.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com